It seems we can thank Anna, the Duchess of Bedford (1788 – 1861), for the pairing of tea and scones. It's said that she asked for tea and "sweet breads," which included scones, and was so taken by the combination that she repeated the order every afternoon thereafter, establishing the English tradition.

If you'd like to bake scones for your next Poetry Teatime, here is a simple recipe.

My copper kettle whistles merrily And signals that it is time for tea.The fine china cups are filled with the brew.There’s lemon and sugar and sweet cream, too.But, best of all there’s friendship, between you and me.As we lovingly share our afternoon tea.